The highly anticipated “From The Sky Down” art exhibit has officially opened its doors at the distinguished CAVU Cellars Gallery, located at 175 E. Aeronca Ave. This captivating display showcases the diverse talents of three remarkable Yakima artists: Ariel Anderson, Mary Davies Kerns, and Janni Kerns, offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in their creative worlds. The exhibition is set to enchant visitors through Wednesday, September 17, providing ample time to explore the intricate details and profound narratives embedded within each piece.
Ariel Anderson, a self-described “imaginator,” began her artistic journey in elementary school while growing up in Yakima between 1989 and 2007. Her foundational artistic skills and knowledge of technique were further honed through advanced classes during her junior and senior years of high school and at Yakima Valley Community College. This early immersion in the arts laid the groundwork for her distinctive approach to Oil Painting, which became her preferred medium.
Upon moving to Walla Walla in 2007, Anderson diversified her professional life, obtaining a registered nurse license in 2009. Despite her demanding healthcare career, painting remained a vital creative outlet, providing a serene escape and a means of expression away from her work dedicated to public health. Her current goal with her art is to “encourage folks to keep their eyes open to the magic that surrounds them in often forgotten places,” a sentiment beautifully reflected in her vibrant canvases.
Anderson’s works are deeply personal and imaginative. For instance, her striking Oil Painting titled “The Walk Back,” depicts lighted lanterns suspended in tree branches, entirely conceived “from out of my head.” Another whimsical piece features a fairy riding a rabbit with glowing eyes in the bottom right-hand corner, a celebration of her “midsummer” where her “own little rabbit took a ride from the moon, flying through the fairy world to celebrate.” These pieces invite viewers into her fantastical narratives.
Anderson’s overarching message to her audience is one of mindfulness and imagination. She encourages individuals to “Take more walks and focus more on what is around you. Settle in by a window and take in the views. It’s often beautiful. If it’s not, let your imagination fill in the blanks to make it so.” This philosophy underlines the profound connection between observation, creativity, and finding beauty in everyday surroundings, making her contributions to the Art Exhibit particularly thought-provoking.
Janni Kerns, a professional artist with over four decades of experience, specializes in exquisite Graphite Art drawings and luminous Watercolor Art paintings that feature glowing layers of pigment. Residing near the Elkhorn Mountains in Baker County, Oregon, Kerns draws inspiration from the natural beauty and diverse life that surrounds her. Her extensive career reflects a deep commitment to capturing the essence of her environment with meticulous detail and a unique artistic vision.
Mary Davies Kerns, Janni’s sister-in-law, lives with her husband Wes Kerns on a cattle ranch in the remote, arid high desert of Southeastern Oregon’s Harney County. Mary’s work, primarily in acrylics, captures the authentic essence of ranch and rural life. Her subjects include the cattle visible from her dining room window, horses, dogs, rugged basalt formations, “bummer lambs,” and various landscapes, cloudscapes, and skies. Her contributions offer a grounded yet artistic perspective on daily life in the American West.
Mary Davies Kerns’ connection to the CAVU Cellars Gallery stems from a prior acquaintance with another artist exhibiting there, leading to her friendship with Karen Waite of CAVU. This collaborative spirit underscores the community aspect of the “From The Sky Down” Art Exhibit, bringing together diverse artistic voices to create a cohesive and inspiring collection. The exhibit promises to be a cultural highlight, showcasing the enduring power of art to connect and inspire.
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